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Updated: May 5, 2026
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Fecal microbiota transplantation ameliorates high-fat diet-induced memory impairment in mice
Louise Tavares Garcia Pereira1, Wembley Rodrigues Vilela2, Paula Maria Quaglio Bellozi1,2
1Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.
Abstract:
Gut dysbiosis is linked to metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and comprises a plausible link between high-fat diet (HFD) and brain dysfunction. Here we show that gut microbiota modulation by either antibiotic treatment for 5 weeks or a brief 3-day fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) regimen from low-fat (control) diet-fed mice decreased weight gain, adipose tissue hypertrophy, and glucose intolerance induced by HFD in C57BL/6 male mice. Notably, gut microbiota modulation by FMT completely reversed impaired recognition memory induced by HFD, whereas modulation by antibiotics had less pronounced effect. Improvement in recognition memory by FMT was accompanied by decreased HFD-induced astrogliosis in the hippocampal cornu ammonis region. Gut microbiome composition analysis indicated that HFD diminished microbiota diversity compared to control diet, whereas FMT partially restored the phyla diversity. Our findings reinforce the role of the gut microbiota on HFD-induced cognitive impairment and suggest that modulating the gut microbiota may be an effective strategy to prevent metabolic and cognitive dysfunction associated with unfavorable dietary patterns.
Insights
Modulating gut microbiota via fecal microbiota transplantation reversed high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment and metabolic dysfunction in mice. This suggests gut health interventions may combat diet-related brain and metabolic issues.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Science
Background:
- Gut dysbiosis is associated with metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
- A high-fat diet (HFD) can negatively impact brain function, potentially via the gut microbiome.
- Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for addressing diet-related health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gut microbiota modulation on HFD-induced metabolic and cognitive deficits.
- To compare the efficacy of antibiotic treatment versus fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mitigating HFD-induced dysfunction.
- To explore the relationship between gut microbiome composition and cognitive function under HFD conditions.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed either a control diet or a HFD.
- Gut microbiota was modulated using a 5-week antibiotic treatment or a 3-day FMT regimen from control mice.
- Metabolic parameters (weight gain, glucose intolerance) and cognitive function (recognition memory) were assessed.
- Hippocampal astrogliosis and gut microbiome diversity were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both antibiotic treatment and FMT reduced weight gain and glucose intolerance in HFD-fed mice.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) completely reversed HFD-induced recognition memory impairment.
- Antibiotic treatment showed a less pronounced effect on cognitive function compared to FMT.
- FMT partially restored gut microbiota diversity diminished by the HFD and reduced hippocampal astrogliosis.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota plays a significant role in HFD-induced cognitive impairment and metabolic dysfunction.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising strategy for reversing HFD-related cognitive deficits.
- Modulating the gut microbiota may offer a therapeutic approach for preventing metabolic and cognitive issues linked to poor dietary patterns.
